1983 Dodge 150 starting trouble

[83mud]

I have a 1983 Dodge 150 4x4 pickup, and I am having trouble with getting it to start.

When you turn the key to start the truck, it does nothing but make a single click. The sound seems to come from the starter relay. I've tried everything, and don't quite know what to do now.


Here's what I have found:

1. The battery is relatively new, charged, and working properly.
2. The starter w/solenoid is also relatively new and working properly.
3. The neutral switch is working properly.
4. Battery terminals are alright.
5. You can cross over the power & solenoid terminals on the starter, as well as on the starter relay and get the engine to turn over/start.
6. I'm stressed out!!!


Does anyone know what I can do next? All I know to do now is replace the starter relay? Can anyone please help out?!

[TorinoGT69]

It sounds like you have already found the problem (relay). If you can bypass it and it starts then that would be my guess.

[83mud]

It only seemed logical that the relay was the problem, but it wasn't replaced too long ago? The previous owner said he replaced it, but who knows? I feel that the relay box is the problem, so I'll try replacing that and see what happens.

[dod83]

Originally Posted by 83mud

It only seemed logical that the relay was the problem, but it wasn't replaced too long ago? The previous owner said he replaced it, but who knows? I feel that the relay box is the problem, so I'll try replacing that and see what happens.

We are having the same problems. We do not seem to be getting a spark to the coil. We replaced the relay, and the resistor seems to be fine. Not sure what else we need to check. The truck cranks but will not start. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks

[frankendart]

83mud and Dod83 sounds like you guys are talking about two different problems. In one case the relay only clicks, and in the other the engine cranks, but won't start. Also, not sure which engine and carbs you have.

I could be way off base here, guys, but here's my take on it.

On the first, I would guess at the relay being the problem. That said, I've experienced a similar problem years ago, I found that the starters bendix drive was bent, and it was binding on the flywheel. BTW, that was a newly rebuilt starter from Auto Zone (it was Auto Shack at the time). Also, check all of your starter circuit connections. One bad connection could drive you crazy, and keep your truck grounded for days!!!

On the second problem, If you have spark, and the starter and battery are good, and the engine cranks fine, you might have a fuel problem(?).
As I recall the 83's were still carb'd, right? You could be experiencing a flooding situation, or a starving one.

If you smell a strong gas odor, chances are you are flooding the engine, thus keeping it from firing. In most cases to start a flood engine, you can hold the gas pedal to the floor and crank the engine. Sounds weird, but it works. Depress the pedal as hard as you can. It lets the maximum amount of air into the intake manifold, and the engine will fire. It will run rough at first, but it will even out in a few seconds.

the inverse is too lean, too much air not enough (if any) gas. Engine won't fire. On my 76, whenever I ran into this problem, I would pump the gas pedal 2 or 3 times, and then hold it wide open. It would usually start after a few seconds.

Both problems were usually caused by carb problems. Float level was off, dirty jets, bad carb gasket, etc. Anyway, usually a bear to figure out, and a breeze to fix.

Frank